I’m starting to calorie count. Anyone want to join me?

[Bookaholic73]

I’m going to be starting calorie counting from tomorrow, with the aim of losing around 2st (28lbs).

Would anyone else like to join me and hold each other accountable here on this thread?

I’ve tried so many ways of losing weight (Keto, Vegan, Low Carb etc) and none of it works long term.
So I’m quitting the fad diets and starting something that I can stick to.

I’m 5,5 and 12st. My aim is 10st, and I’ll be eating 1600 cals a day.

Excellent result @WeirdPookah and @Happymama24! All in the right direction.
@Hermoinestrousers I'm probably similar to your teens not a massive casserole fan if I'm honest, or anything "boiled". I do so much more than casserole or stew in mine though- I mainly use it for batch cooking chilli and Bolognese for the freezer, but it's handy to keep a curry warm and tender for different eating times.
I'm not sure if you saw the BBQ pulled chicken recipe I shared on here last week- that was a hit with me and DC and didn't feel laborious as I just put it all in together, left it on low for the day then the chicken pulled with two forks. Mixed back in to the sauce and kept warm without spoiling for a few hours- that might go down well with your family? I worked it out at 190 cals per portion but depends on quantities of course. Can put it with all sorts- rice, wraps, veg, fajitas, baked potato.
I'm looking forward to testing some more recipes like that.

I had a delicious pesto chicken and rocket wrap from Morrisons for lunch today, with a mini pepperami and a cheese string. That came to 521 cals. I wanted the brownie or millionaires shortbread as part of the meal deal, but they are about 250 cals! So stuck with the pepperami instead.

I'm already struggling with the weekend and it's not even Friday night yet.

I don't think I have the energy for a workout, that's why I always do it in the morning, so it's over and done with before my energy runs out.

Not sure what I'm having for dinner. The rest of the family is having pizza tonight, but I don't really fancy pizza. Plus, I want to have a perfect week food-wise, so that I actually get a good result on the scale next week. Plus, I'm not really a fan of pizza. I might do something like beans on toast for myself to be honest. But I am not sure yet.

@Bookaholic73 when I have a night like that i tend to do something that only I like, like fish . or something that the others don’t class as ‘dinner’ - eg. My favourite is to get tapas bits, some Parma ham and chorizo, some cheese, cherry tomatoes, houmous and dip, bean salad etc - which the men/boys in my life would not rate as appropriate dinner food (but funnily enough when I eat it they all start sniffing around….)

(but then I am weird because I genuinely love salad and I would eat salad by choice for 2 if not 3 meals a day between March and October)

it’s inspiring to hear everyone’s exercise routines. I haven’t really done much and need to fit more in. I swim a little and do weekly taekwondo but nothing daily!

@Bookaholic73I think Friday is hardest for me. All my family are having pizza or chips- so I need to make myself something. I don’t want to waste a “splurge” of calories on chips or pizza. I’ll save that for when I’m wanting a cheesy nachos night. I am going to try to start doing take away only every other Friday and getting the kids to take it in turns to cook a meal with us on the alternate weeks. Even a home made treaty meal might be fewer calories than our usual chips, curry sauce and pie!!

I haven’t calorie counted today as I had a manic day and I feel a bit lost. might try to recall so I’m keeping myself on track.

Im down 3lbs since last Friday which I am happy with. Though I note my weight in the morning is quite different to in the eve?!!

@thenewaveragebear1983 that is my idea of a delicious dinner, but the rest of my family wouldn't eat it either! Add some falafel in there and it's my idea of heaven! I love salad too, but it's turned chilly this evening so I definitely want something warm.

@Weallgottachangesometime Wow, 3lbs is a fab loss, well done!! I'm not in the tiniest bit jealous ;)
Yes, I think Friday is the hardest for me too. I always thought it was Saturday, but actually, Friday is when I struggle the most.

So I have decided on parmesan risotto for dinner tonight. Everyone else here hates it, but it's one of my favourites. I have enough calories left for a few slices of garlic bread as well. I know I said I was going to reduce carbs at my evening meal, but right now it's this or pizza and chocolate/wine, so I'm calling it a win.

I did it. I went out for a run. Haven’t drank or eaten any junk food.
Off to bed feeling very happy with myself.

Morning everyone,
We loved the preschool swimming class (4yo had lots of fun/ I was happy that she wasn't scared in a deep pool)
And I have joined a beginners pilates class one evening a week. I would like morning one but OH leaves the house at 5 for work 🙃.
Not raining yet here so I will go out in a bit to transplant some plants in the garden.
B. Toast with homemade no sugar jam (chia seeds and berries) tea
L. Tuna pasta bake with big salad
D. Sichuan aubergine and baked cod.

Kiddo wants brownie for pudding so my house smells marvellous right now. Urrrgh.

Aldi chocolate lollies were quite nice for 88 cal. A bit light on flavour but texture wise OK.

@Lalanbaba well done on joining the Pilates class. I’d love to do one, but I live rurally and it’s at least a 45 min drive to my nearest class.
Glad that your LO enjoyed the swimming!

For anyone not avoiding sugar totally.
I was shopping in Aldi earlier, my youngest asked for ice cream and I spotted these.
Only 30kcal per lolly

Morning everyone! It’s great tosee everyone so motivated! Yesterday I had watery beef broth and buttons all day as I wasn’t feeling the best. This morning a workout and planks, cleaning. A few more buttons and some fish sticks so far. Not really feeling hungry but I am sure that will change later. No real losses yet.

I’m still here, haven’t posted much as ridiculously busy but am still keeping on, have kept to my calories every day and went to a clubbercise exercise class last night- great fun! And am following along the thread.

Happy weekend all, hope it's a successful one if you're trying to stay on plan!
I'm "off" ish this weekend as away with DP. We like cooking, though it's not often especially healthy food. Currently have a lamb curry bubbling away. Going to have a go at homemade sides e.g. bhaji and I've got some free-from goodies to have a go at.
I'll be back on plan on Tuesday when I get home!

Evening All.

I am on track this weekend. I’ve eaten well, and had a glass of wine and a small handful of sweets. Within my calorie allowance.

Had a good workout this morning, and hopefully I’ll get to the gym early tomorrow morning, before it gets too busy.

@Bookaholic73 well done for sticking within calories, that no mean feat at the weekend!!

@Summerscomin hope you enjoy your weekend and you curry. Sounds lovely.

I’ve been to Pizza Hut today because it was a family birthday and just stayed within calories, but only because I’ve not eaten dinner….so I may have a last minute snack fest. In all honesty I’m not sure I believe the amount of calories it said my lasagne was….I’m sure it must have been more!!

@Weallgottachangesometime well done on eating out and managing to stay within your calories, even if your snack will take you over. I find it so easy to say ‘just sod it’ when eating out, and eating for England (and the rest of Europe 😭).

@Summerscomin have a wonderful weekend with your DH. The curry sounds delicious!

@Bernadinetta well done for staying on track. What is clubbercise? Some sort of dancing exercise class?

@Mendholeai I hope you’re feeling better now?

Thanks @Bookaholic73 feeling much better now! I was under my calories yesterday, did 10,000 steps and a workout. Unfortunately had a broken night’s sleep but I am starting today with an orange and a workout.

Well done to @Bookaholic73 and all sticking to it. Have a low calorie day!

@WeirdPookah that is an incredible weight loss and truly inspiring. Can I ask what your starting BMI was? Mine was 33.8 so hoping I might see similar results!

@Bookaholic73 one pound is still wonderful. I know it’s frustrating, but putting it into context of 9lb lost in less than 3 weeks, then it’s amazing.

@Hermoinestrousers I know the feeling of needing to meal plan. I really could do with a weekly planner to put on the front of the fridge.

@Lalanbaba congratulations on such a fabulous start!

I share your Friday frustrations! We tend to watch a family film on Friday nights and have a picky night in front of the tv. This week I made steak sandwiches and chips. The rest of the family had their steak sandwiches, I made a salad of spinach, cucumber, mint, pomegranate and sliced steak and did a small bowl of chips for myself. Not sure how I will modify pizza night and wings night.

I’ve got the Peloton app and a cheaper exercise bike that I stopped using for far too long. I have started using it a couple of times a week and have also started the Stronger You 4 week weight training program on the app. So far I don’t totally hate it.

Today we are having a roast chicken. I’m going to have it with Yorkshire’s and veg, no roasties. Trying to calculate how many calories in gravy- I pour off the fat from the roasting tin and deglaze the sticky chickeny bits with veg water and mcdougal’s thickening granules. Any suggestions?

Hi @Bookaholic73 yes clubbercise is a dance exercise class, with classic 90s (and newer) dance tunes to jump around to and the big draw for me is that it’s in the dark with glow sticks, so no one can see you! So you can just go for it without worrying what you look like while booking along to Children of the Night and Rhythm is a Dancer ✌️
https://www.clubbercise.com/

Is anyone else watching the London Marathon on TV? How inspiring is Sifan Hassan! They were interviewing people who had started running with the couch to 5k app, which is what I've been doing (loosely).

Thank you everyone for your support this weekend, it really means a lot and helps me through.

@Bookaholic73 I didn’t watch the LM as I was supposed to be running it so I had a bit of FOMO going on…. I always find it a very inspiring watch though. Running is such a universally positive sport, from the elite athletes (friend of mine completed in 2hrs 29 mins 😱) to those who take 6/7 hours and never give up. What an achievement for all.

Good morning! I hope you are all doing well.

Yesterday
one low fat wrap with one egg, one slice of chicken and garlic
a few fish sticks
one small packet of buttons
one huge orange

Not the healthiest day but ok calorie wise. I got a few mini workout in

@ForSaleChesterDraws my BMI was higher than that, I'm only 5'5 as well. I'm still at a weight where looking 3lbs a week might be feasible and safe, it won't be for much longer.

My weekend looked like this:
Saturday:
B: eggs, miso mushrooms, one slice toast
L: couple mini fromage frais, grapes (kids party in middle of day!)
D: vegetarian katsu, broccoli
Sunday:
B: homemade banana waffles, berries, yogurt
L: soup, crackers
D: arepas, quorn beef, peppers, tomatoes (skipped the cheese in the arepas)

Today!
B: black bean burrito
L: new potatoes, first english asparagus of the year and eggs with real butter!
D: chiken tikka, broccoli, spoonful of pilaf

I did great with exercise last week, clocked up over 300 fitness minutes, I'll get a short walk later, I walk instead of sitting in the car waiting to pick up my children from school. Been shopping this morning and feeling a bit frazzled.

I'm still here and reading along but doing terribly with any kind of healthy eating. Unfortunately one "off" day has spread into three, and tomorrow isn't looking great either! I have delicious leftovers. But, I have to live, and I've enjoyed it. Maybe Wednesday will see a better day!
@WeirdPookah your food always sounds so tasty, even though I have to Google more often than not what it is you've had! Arepas sound incredible, do you make the maize bun bit yourself?
Hope everyone else is doing well!

Evening everyone.

Such a busy day at work today!
Stick to my calorie allowance today, and had a salad even though my family had fish and chips from the chippy.

Went for a long run and ate really well all day.

ohhhh! @WeirdPookah tell us more about arepas? Do you make them or buy them?

@Summerscomin don’t worry about 3 days off, you are here and back on it.

I’m on a course with work all day today that includes a buffet. I had made double portions yesterday of a lentil and feta salad for lunch yesterday (270 cals), so I think I’m just going to take that with me as it needs eating and will be nicer than the sandwiches.